Ervin Hosts Ceremony for Fenton Street Market

When the Fenton Street Market reopens Saturday, Councilwoman Valerie Ervin (D-District 5) will be on hand to speak. Ervin has been one the market's strongest advocates alongside Councilmember Hans Riemer (At-Large).

The ceremony to celebrate the reopening will be begin at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Fenton Street and Ellsworth Drive.

This is a huge moment of success for lead organizers Hannah McCann and Megan Moriarty. The fate of the market was challenged in July 2011 after county officials considered increasing the market's fee from $48 per Saturday to more than $1,200 each week.

The increased fee is based on an hourly rate of $125 to use half of the plaza. 

FSM officials were initally offered the discounted rate to help determine the  viability of Veterans Plaza. The market was a success according to Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), but he decided against the extension of the discounted rate because it was against the county's fair use policy.

Almost a year ago since the initial discussion, Montgomery County officials and FSM have reached a deal to use the property in 2012.

The details of the new lease have not been disclosed as of yet.